We've finally started the planning process for our upcoming trip to Walt Disney World, so without further ado, let the pre-trip report madness begin!
This won't be any ordinary Disney vacation for us, mind you. This will be one of the most magical for sure; our honeymoon! Ahem... er, Disneymoon!
We have our hearts set on renting DVC points for a 6-night stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Who knew we'd have a chance at banking a deluxe studio at Kidani Village on a budget? A week at Animal Kingdom Lodge for under $1,000 as opposed to the $2,600 we'd be spending directly through Disney is pretty incredible. The resale agent we're in contact with is supposed to get back to us in May to let us know if a room is available. Cross your fingers, and your toes too! ...If you can.
We've managed to jam-pack this year with about 17 million different things, so saving a few pennies is definitely in order.
* Our wedding date: November 30th
* Disneymoon: December 2nd-8th
* Atlantis - The Bahamas (a.k.a. honeymoon part II): December 12th-17th
* And the move to Wichita - Sometime late December-early 2014
All of this means we're going to need passports, plane tickets, a wedding dress, perhaps some hard liquor... and a lot of prayers!
Remember my mentioning how obsessed with organizing I am ? I wasn't lying. I go through about 20 notebooks every year while planning for our vacation. I make lists, lists of lists, and then lists of the lists that I've listed so that I won't forget the lists (it's necessary, I promise). For me, putting together all of the details is a blast, maybe even a little therapeutic. I have to be honest here, patience isn't really my forte. If I have something to busy myself with in between trips I'm a much happier camper than say, a camper that would be... not happy? Yes, let's go with that!
We've gone on a trip together every year since 2010, and usually begin planning for the next one on the very day we return. What's second-best to actually being at Disney World? Why, planning your next stay of course! -- We usually decide on December, because 1.) it gives us a full year to prepare, 2.) the weather is MUCH nicer, and 3.) it's Christmas time, HELLO! The holidays at Walt Disney World are such a beautiful thing to experience. I recommend going sometime around the first or second week. You'll be happy that you did, pinky swear!
We drove last year to save money from having to fly. Flying is way too expensive, and it's also a heart attack waiting to happen on my part. I get a little bit anxious and feel like throwing up in my mouth. Then I get even more anxious about the idea of throwing up in my mouth, and the stress from that causes a migraine the size of a moose (no, I don't know why a moose. It just seems like the appropriate animal to pick at this time). -- Now, for Atlantis I'll have no choice. Lucky for me, I'll have a friend called Dramamine. That's a whole 'nother story, though... We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. ..Sorry, I like to run on tangents!
We're going to be driving the 17 hours from Dallas to Orlando all in one day. Sounds, tiring, doesn't it? For us, it's really not that big of a deal. We load up on podcasts, good music and games to pass the time. We also love to talk to one another. 16 years and you'd think we know everything there is to know about each other. The truth is, I'm learning new things about Doug every day and I love it!
We've purchased Madlibs, questionnaire books for couples, Disney guides and my love gifted me a Kindle Fire HD before our last vacation. You can just imagine how much of a treasure this was to have while on the road.
Last year we stayed at the Hyatt Place Hotel in Orlando the night before our check-in at WDW. Our comfort level was about a 12 out of 10! We fell absolutely in love with the modern design and the cloud-like bed had to of been designed for those who had just made a 17 hour drive (boy, were we sore!). It provided us with a sleep so immaculate that we rose complaint-free. ...Then again, the fact that we were headed to the most magical place on earth could have had a little something to do with it! -- The Hyatt left such a great impression on us, that we're going to be staying there again the night before our *crosses fingers* check-in at Disney.
We've gone through several back-up plans in case the DVC rental falls through (sad face).
1.)
The Hyatt --
Pros - The Hyatt is the ultimate comfort. Very romantical and for a 6-night stay, we'd be paying $851.00. Though it's our most expensive option, it falls below our (very hopeful) budget of staying under $1,000.
Cons - The furthest stay from WDW. No Disney theming; less magic to greet us when we wake in the morning and fall asleep at night. Being off property, we'd have to pay parking fees, yuck. And extra magic hours would no longer be a part of the picture.
2.)
A Courtyard Marriott (off property again - I know, BLASPHEMOUS!) --
Pros - We la-la-LOVE Marriott, and have family that could possibly hook us up with a discount. The closest off property option to the parks. Our cheapest room by far, coming in at $650.00
Cons - Again, zip-nada on the Disney magic bit. Those pesky parking fees, ewwy. And no extra time in the parks. Also, they like to tag on fees that seem to take forever and a day...and then another day, to be reimbursed.
and 3.)
Staying at a Value - Pop Century --
Pros - We've stayed here and feel this is the absolute
best theming for a value cost. Falls below the $1,000 budget that we've set - $774.00. LOTS of Disney magic. The EMHs are now within our grasp and there's always the possibility of
AAA's room-only discount popping in to say hello (anyone heard anything about this for December by any chance?)!
Cons - Not the most comfortable beds. And.. and.. uhmm.. Okay, so I'm biased. And my brain hurts.
So with all of that said, not staying at one of Disney's resorts would obviously take away some stuff that we really consider to be a necessity while on vacation at Disney. Parking fees would tag on at LEAST an extra $100.00 (oh yes, I've done the math!). We're the type of people that rise and shine by the light of the moon and go hard all day, so extra magic hours are a HUGE plus. And the mere thought of being without the warm feeling of being surrounded by Disney... Sniffle, sniffle. I just, I just can't bear it!!! ...Okay I'm exaggerating, but only a little. -- All of these things are wonderful perks to have while vacationing at the World, but who know what will be available at the time of booking? Sometimes ya gotta do whatcha gotta do...I guess. *large exaggerative sigh*
C'mon now! I'm still getting a whole week of that sweet, sweet Disney love. And though that's one of the best things in life, my absolute favorite is the fact that I'll be there enjoying it with my new hubby.
What on earth would I have to fuss about?
Ahead: Find out which plan we chose (I know, such a mystery!), and check out our 2013 WDW planner!
Hello everybody, and welcome to our PTR!
